Blugold Family Communication

Student Health Service at UWEC in collaboration with Mayo Clinic Health System is conducting a study to de-label students that have a penicillin or amoxicillin allergy. 

Recent research shows that over 90% of patients labeled to be allergic to penicillin or amoxicillin can safely take the medication. While most patients think there are many other alternative antibiotics that can be substituted for penicillin, this is not the case. Unfortunately, most of the second-choice antibiotics are more expensive, have more severe side effects and often are less effective. Penicillin remains the least costly and most effective treatment for many common infections, such as sinus infection, ear infection, sore throat, pneumonia, and for most infections of children and pregnant women.

This study consists of completing a short survey to determine if a student has a low risk of a positive penicillin allergy test.  Low risk individuals will be contacted by Student Health Service to schedule a virtual appointment with the medical director where she will confirm their eligibility.  If a student qualifies, they will then receive a single dose of liquid amoxicillin and be observed in the Student Health Center.  If they do not have a reaction to amoxicillin, the penicillin/amoxicillin allergy label will be removed from their medical record, and they can take this class of antibiotics in the future.

Students will receive a $5 gift card to Caribou Coffee for completing the questionnaire and a $20 gift card to Caribou Coffee for completing the study. Students who have previously reported a penicillin or amoxicillin allergy to Student Health Service have received a secure message from the medical director inviting them to participate in this study. If your student is interested in participating and has not received a message, please have them contact Dr. Kim Frodl at frodlka@uwec.edu.